Copycat Hooter’s Hot Buffalo Wings

It’s hard to beat Hooter’s for good ole hot wings. If you don’t have a restaurant nearby you have three options. One, move. Two, order some of their breading and sauces online and make the original yourself. Or three, make this copycat Hooter’s hot buffalo Wings from scratch. Any option will do, but I have to admit that these wings came out spot-on like what I’ve had at the restaurant. They’re hot but not crazy hot. They’re breaded perfectly. They taste wonderful and they disappear in no time. That’s the sign of darned good wings.

Copycat Hooter's Hot Buffalo Wings

Great Heat and Great Flavor

I wouldn’t do anything different about these copycat Hooter’s hot Buffalo wings. Except maybe more of them, more often. You can tone down the heat but leaving out the cayenne and make a medium version of these wings, but then they wouldn’t be hot wings! Doh!

If it’s just me or the two of us, I’ll use my lil ole trusty Fry Daddy fryer to make these wings. I can fit a good 8 pieces in without any fear of over-crowding. As an added bonus, it doesn’t use much oil and it is super easy to clean up. It sure makes deep frying a breeze.

Try my copycat Hooter’s medium Buffalo wings for a little less heat!

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Copycat Hooter's Hot Buffalo Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Hooter’s Hot Buffalo Wings

These wings are hot, but not crazy hot!
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buffalo wings, copycat
Servings: 4
Calories: 275kcal

Ingredients

For the Wings

For the Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce

Instructions

For the Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce

  • Make the sauce by placing all of the ingredients into a small saucepan over medium low heat.
  • Once the butter is melted stir well. Turn off the heat.
  • Stir again before tossing with the wings.

For the Wings

  • Combine the flour, salt, cayenne and paprika in a large bowl.
  • Rinse the wings. Drain well but do not dry the wings.
  • Add the wings to the flour mixture and turn to coat well. Transfer to a plate and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Heat 3" of oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350 F.
  • Working in batches if necessary, fry the wings 8-10 minutes or until they reach 165 F. Transfer to a rack over a baking sheet or a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Transfer wings to a large bowl. Drizzle with the sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing. Click here for our guide on how to sauce your wings.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 811mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 819IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Chipotle Blackberry Wings

You know I love chicken wings. Any time, any way. So I was really looking forward to these wings. I made chipotle blackberry wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less fryer, but you can make them in the oven, on a grill, or just deep fry them. The sauce is what makes these wings fantastic. A nice sweetness and a nice smoky heat. Perfect.

Chipotle Blackberry Wings

Kick It Up!

I like a little kick to my wings. If you do too, don’t be afraid to add more chipotles when you make your chipotle blackberry wings. Or add a few good shakes of hot sauce to the wing sauce.

I did serve these wings with a dipping sauce, but honestly, I could’ve skipped it. Nothing needed to be added to them that could possibly make them any better.

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my fantastic chipotle barbecue wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Chipotle Blackberry Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Chipotle Blackberry Wings

I like a little kick to my wings. If you do too, don't be afraid to add more chipotles.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blackberry, spicy, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 548kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 456IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Chipotle Barbecue Wings

These chipotle barbecue wings are proof of two things. One, Tabasco Chipotle Sauce is absolutely the tastiest, smoky pepper sauce you can find. And two, with just two ingredients you can make one of the best wing sauces you’ve had. Mild on the heat side, and full-power on the taste side, I could not have been happier with these wings.

Chipotle Barbecue Wings

The Easiest Sauce You’ll Ever Make

The sauce on these chipotle barbecue wings is definitely not ‘just’ for wings. Oh me, is it ever good on grilled or smoked ribs. Ditto smoked pulled pork or brisket. And grilled chicken? Yeah, great there too. It has the perfect consistency to stick to anything you put it on without being too thick that it is gloppy. You can adjust the spicy level by using more or less of the Tabasco sauce. I found a 50/50 ratio to be perfect, giving me a little heat and a lot of flavor at the same time.

I used Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce in this recipe. Kraft Original Slow-Simmered BBQ Barbecue Sauce would be another great choice. You don’t want to grab something that is going to fight the pepper sauce. Just a good old school tomato-based sauce will do just fine.

Also try my chipotle pumpkin wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Chipotle Barbecue Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Chipotle Barbecue Wings

With two ingredients you can make one of the best wing sauces you've had!
Inspired by a recipe from Tabasco
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue, smoky
Servings: 6
Calories: 503kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock

For the sauce

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Note: If you are using a refrigerated BBQ sauce you will want to warm it slightly in a microwave or on the stovetop first.
  • Combine both ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside until ready to use.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcal | Protein: 42g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 354mg | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Chili Garlic Wings

Ketchup-based BBQ sauces are very common. Ketchup-based wing sauces? Not so much. That’s why I was (incorrectly) apprehensive about this chili garlic wing sauce at first. Would it be too ketchupy? Would I like it? No, and no. I LOVED IT! This sauce is the absolute bomb on wings. It has so many flavors packed into one bite it’s almost impossible to describe. Just the right balance of tomato, garlic, spice, sweetness and mustard. And the consistency is spot-on too. I so enjoyed these chili garlic wings!

Chili Garlic Wings

A Great Sauce To Keep On Hand

The sauce on these chili garlic wings is actually great on anything you grill, too. Slather some on some ribs, or grilled chicken. Or even better, smoked brisket or pulled pork. You’ll be thinking… hey! This is my new go-to sauce for everything!

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my great spicy herb and garlic wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Chili Garlic Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Chili Garlic Wings

The sauce on these chili garlic wings is actually great on anything you grill, too.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: spicy, garlic wings, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 589kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wings

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock

For the sauce

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Combine ingredients in a sauce pan over low heat. Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

Store any leftover sauce in the fridge. Reheat before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 589kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 1218mg | Potassium: 549mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Chicken Wing Fry Mix

This is my go-to mix when making fried chicken wings. It’s not too thick, so the wings don’t end up like Grandma’s fried chicken. It’s light enough to add a bit of crunch. And, it’s flavored just right so as to not over-power whichever sauce or seasoning I add in the end.

Chicken Wing Fry Mix

Adds the Perfect Crunch

My chicken wing fry mix ain’t nothing fancy, but it does the job and it does it well. I make a huge batch and keep it on hand. I put a label on the outside of the container with the words ‘wing thing’ so I know exactly what’s inside!

If you’d rather buy your breading, I cannot recommend Hooter’s wing breading. Who doesn’t love Hooter’s wings? It’s awesome on wings, like my air fryer version.

I like to make my spice, rub and seasoning mixes in big batches and keep them in large bottles with easy-to-pour shaker lids.

Also try my buttermilk fried wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 200 favorite store-bought wing sauces and seasonings!

Fried Chicken Wing Dredge
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5 from 1 vote

Chicken Wing Fry Mix

This is my go-to fried chicken wing prep.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fried, wings
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 405kcal

Ingredients

Seasoning (or add your favorite wing seasoning)

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients. Store in an air-tight container.
  • To use, rinse your wings and pat dry.
  • Roll or toss your wings in the coating. Make sure to get them well-coated, but don't get it on too thick.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Toss the wings in the coating one more time. Shake off excess. Discard any leftover coating.
  • Return to the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • To fry, bring a few inches of oil to 350 F. Fry wings 9-12 minutes or until done, turning as they cook. Remove to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Sauce or season as desired and serve.

Notes

Substitute smoked paprika for a lightly smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2908mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Wings

I love chicken wings. Any flavor, any time, but in particular, I love wings with some kick. Not over-the-top, kick-me-in-the-gut hot, but just spicy enough to wake you up. These Cajun wings with dipping sauce bring the heat thanks to Louisiana hot sauce.

Cajun Wings

Great No Matter How You Cook Them

I prefer to cook my Cajun wings in my Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less fryer then finish them off on the grill to get a nice crunchy skin. But, they’re just as great cooked in the oven or on a grill. You can also deep fry them. These wings with dipping sauce are a delight no matter what you use to make them. The marinade really adds tremendous flavor to every bite, through and through and the cooling dipping sauce finishes it all off perfectly.

I have been using these sauce dipping cups more and more for my wing sauces. They’re the perfect size for wings. And chicken nuggets. And chicken tenders.

You’ll also want to make a batch of Cajun Power garlic sauce wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Cajun Wings

These wings with dipping sauce are a delight no matter what you use to make them.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 532kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the dipping sauce

  • Place the cream cheese, dressing and hot sauce into medium bowl.
  • Microwave for 1-2 minutes until melted. Do not overheat.
  • Whisk mixture until creamy smooth.
  • Fold in the blue cheese.

Notes

The sauce is also great for dipping celery and carrot sticks!

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 177mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 339IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Butter Wings

These Cajun butter wings take a little more effort than some wings to prepare. But, oh me, are they ever worth every single minute. First you fry the wings until they are mostly done. Then you toss them in a super yummy super easy sauce. Yeah, it’s just butter and Cajun seasoning. But that’s two of my favorite things. Bake the wings a bit. Add more butter sauce. Bake some more until the wings are done and skin is just nice and crispy. Then you devour them. And you lick your fingers. A lot.

Cajun Butter Wings

The Perfect Sauce for us Butter-a-holics

You can make the Cajun spice mix for these Cajun Butter wings using the recipe below. Or you can just grab some pre-made stuff out of the pantry, such as Slap Ya Mama brand. Me, I love Cajun seasoning flavors, so I use a bit extra. To me these wings are kinda like Cajun buttered shrimp, and I can eat a ton of those too!

I really liked the texture of these wings. If you’re in a hurry you could just deep fry them and toss them in the sauce. But I think the baking and extra basting with the sauce adds a whole lot more flavor.

Also try my Cajun honey lime wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Butter Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Butter Wings

Crazy good finger-licking wings!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked wings, Cajun wings, deep-fried
Servings: 2
Calories: 2838kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the Cajun butter

Instructions

  • Heat a few inches of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Season the wings lightly with the salt. Working in batches if necessary, fry the wings for 8 minutes, flipping once. They do not need to be fully cooked.
  • Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F and prepare the Cajun butter mixture (recipe below).
  • Remove the wings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Transfer the wings to the baking sheet. Brush all sides with half of the Cajun butter.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Brush all sides of the wings with the remaining Cajun butter and bake for another 10 minutes.
  • Serve immediately.

For the Cajun butter

  • Melt the butter in a small sauce pan.
  • Using a mortar and pestle, grind together the remaining ingredients until a fine consistency is achieved. Add to the butter and stir.
  • Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

You can substitute 2 teaspoons of store-bought Cajun seasoning for the spice mix.

Nutrition

Calories: 2838kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 168g | Fat: 237g | Saturated Fat: 99g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 34g | Monounsaturated Fat: 82g | Trans Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 943mg | Sodium: 1258mg | Potassium: 1493mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4634IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 9mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Buffalo Wings

I admit, not everything in this sauce screams Cajun, but these Cajun Buffalo wings are so darned tasty I didn’t care. Everything I love is in this sauce which explains my addiction to it. I cannot stop eating wings tossed in it. A little heat, lots of (yummy) garlic, and just the right amount of traditional Buffalo flavor, this sauce is a real winner.

Cajun Buffalo Wings

Amazing Flavor in Every Bite

If you want your Cajun Buffalo wings to be even more on the spicy side, use Frank’s RedHot Hot Buffalo Wings sauce. Or go with mild for less heat. I opted for less heat this time and really enjoyed it. Not every wing sauce has to sear the roof of your mouth.

You’ll love the flavors of these wings as much as I did. It’s great stuff! For a nice twist also try my Cajun Bay wings.

Cajun Buffalo Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Buffalo Wings

If you want it spicier, use a hot Buffalo wing sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buffalo wings, Cajun wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 551kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock

For the sauce

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.
  • Add the butter and stir until melted.
  • Add the remaining ingredients. Stir until well blended.
  • Remove from heat and keep at room temperature while your wings cook.
  • Stir just before using.

Notes

Serve your wings with extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 551kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 1002mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 1096IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Buffalo Supreme Wings

Buffalo wings, blue cheese, and celery. Very traditional and very good and usually, each component is served separately. But why not cut to the chase and combine all of those great flavors into one bite? Buffalo supreme wings do exactly that. Yeah, they’re messy to eat, but that’s part of the fun. And they do combine all the great classic tastes in bite after bite. You just cannot beat these wings!

Buffalo Supreme Wings

Everything You Need in one Bite

I really enjoyed chowing down on Buffalo supreme wings. They didn’t last long at all, that’s for sure. It was bordering on embarrassing, but I couldn’t help myself. That happens with me and wings a lot. I used the classic, Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce, but you can actually substitute your favorite.

You’re not going to need a dipping sauce for these wings. What could you possibly dip them in that would make them better? They’re already tossed in the best everything-in-it sauce ever!

Also try my creamy Buffalo wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Buffalo Supreme Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Supreme Wings

Messy. And good.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buffalo wings, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 875kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat. Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

Serve your wings with extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 875kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 271mg | Sodium: 2328mg | Potassium: 518mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1428IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 276mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Big Game Hot Wings

These Big Game Hot Wings were some of the best, if not the best, homemade wings I’ve had. The sauce really hit the spot for me. It’s the perfect combination of a little sweet and a little heat, with a little vinegar and mustard tang to it. It’s beyond finger-licking good. And since it’s homemade, I got to adjust the heat to my liking. That meant that I added a bit more hot sauce than the recipe calls for. You can use more. Or less. This sauce would be great for the Big Game. You can make a huge batch of sauce without a lot of fuss or trouble. If you’re worried about the heat scaring off some of your guests, just make two different batches. One with the pepper flake and hot sauce, and one without.

Big Game Hot Wings

Great Wings from a Great Cookbook

This recipe for Big Game Hot Wings is one of the many great wing recipes you can find in Brian White’s series of chicken wing cookbooks. Every book in the Chicken Wing Cookbook Book 1 Deliciously Different Recipes of Chicken Wings You Need to Try! series is packed with fantastic recipes like this one. I picked up all 6 books for free on Amazon with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Heck, these books alone more than make the subscription price worth it!

This sauce would be absolutely great on grilled or smoked pork ribs. The mustard would go perfectly with the pork.

Also try my Five Alarm Buffalo wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Big Game Hot Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Big Game Hot Wings

This sauce would be absolutely great on grilled or smoked pork ribs.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 44 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hot, wings
Servings: 4
Calories: 782kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sauce

For the wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock

Instructions

Notes

Make extra sauce and serve it on the side for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 782kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 772mg | Potassium: 619mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 62g | Vitamin A: 1168IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.